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Field Notes

Know Before You Go: COVID-19 Protocols

September 3, 2020

Please note that until further notice based on direction from the PHO, all non-essential travel should be avoided. This includes travel into and out of B.C. and between regions of the province. Like you, we’re passionate about exploring BC. But now is the time forus to stay local and support local businesses with just your…

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Brant are small, compact geese that have a dark br Brant are small, compact geese that have a dark brown body and black head. Their short neck has a white collar. The black Brant that we often see here in BC are a much darker black than than those in eastern North America.⁠
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Brant love to winter in bays, estuaries, and lagoons around BC. These geese make an incredible journey from Mexico and California all the way to Alaska and the Canadian Arctic, using BC shorelines as a pitstop.⁠
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The Central Vancouver Island Bird Trail is a popular stop for Brant geese on their way to their northern breeding grounds. Throughout March and April, Brant can be seen feeding and resting along coastal areas of Parksville Qualicum Beach, which is also home to the celebration of their return: the Brant Wildlife Festival!⁠
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#BCBirdTrail #LookUpStayGrounded // #ExploreBC⁠
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⚠️ Like you, we’re passionate about exploring BC—but now is not the time to travel. Until further notice based on direction from the PHO, all non-essential travel to and within BC should be avoided. Explore only your local trails and birding locations. Be mindful of the protocols put in place by local businesses.⁠
As we get closer to March and the arrival of sprin As we get closer to March and the arrival of spring, it means that many birds will be returning to their nesting sites. This is especially true for the iconic Great Blue Heron, who have nesting sites across BC.⁠
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One amazing place to view these Herons in BC is the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve on the Fraser Valley Bird Trail, home to one of the largest Heron nesting colonies in the Lower Mainland. From late February to early March, their Herons return to nest and remain until late July.⁠
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If you live in the Chilliwack area, be sure to check out the Heron activity, as nest selection and courting starts in early March. The best place to view the colony is west along the North Dyke Trail, about a 10 minute walk from the Rotary Interpretive Centre.⁠
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Before visiting, please have a look at the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve website (link in bio) so you can be aware of any closures on their trails and of their COVID-19 protocols. Note that from late February to mid July, parts of the Heron Colony Loop Trail and the Discovery Trail are gated and locked to protect the nesting areas.⁠
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Happy birding!⁠
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📸  @shaynekayephoto⁠
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#BCBirdTrail #LookUpStayGrounded // #ExploreBC #ShareChilliwack⁠
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⚠️ Like you, we’re passionate about exploring BC—but now is not the time to travel. Until further notice based on direction from the PHO, all non-essential travel to and within BC should be avoided. Explore only your local trails and birding locations. Be mindful of the protocols put in place by local businesses.⁠
With the increase of people seeking relaxation and With the increase of people seeking relaxation and recreation in outdoor spaces, a reminder to those birding or photographing birds on the #BCBirdTrail to respect the habitats of local wildlife. Keep to the paths and follow the instructions of signs indicating whether you can or cannot go into certain areas.⁠
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If you need a bit of a refresher, check out our Field Notes blog post about Responsible Birding, link in our bio or head to BCBirdTrail.ca⁠
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Now's the time to be nice, to support local, to stick to our local birding areas, and to be especially mindful of the well-being of the birds we venture out to see 🦅⁠
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📸 Jon Sailer⁠
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#LookUpStayGrounded // #ExploreBC⁠
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⚠️ Like you, we’re passionate about exploring BC—but now is not the time to travel. Until further notice based on direction from the PHO, all non-essential travel to and within BC should be avoided. Explore only your local trails and birding locations. Be mindful of the protocols put in place by local businesses.⁠
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#birdsofbc #bcbirds #bcbirding #birdingbc #bcwildlife #birds #birding #birders #birdphotography #birdwatching #birdshot #birdsofcanada #birdconservation #ebirdcanada #birdscanada #baldeagle #eagle
The Bufflehead is a popular winter duck that can b The Bufflehead is a popular winter duck that can be found in sheltered coastlines and inland lakes and ponds along BC's coastal regions. Before their breeding season in the spring and summer, they head inland to the interior parts of BC and even further north to Alaska. 🦆⁠
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Female Buffleheads have dark heads with a white patch on the cheek, while males have a larger white patch on the top and sides of the head, as well as shimmery greens and purples among the darker plumage on the head. Buffleheads are on the smaller side compared to other ducks and have quite large heads, but don't confuse them with their duck cousin the Hooded Merganser, who has brown sides instead of white (male).⁠
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Fun Fact: Buffleheads nest almost exclusively in small cavities in trees created by Northern Flickers.⁠
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#BCBirdTrail #LookUpStayGrounded // #ExploreBC⁠
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⚠️ Like you, we’re passionate about exploring BC—but now is not the time to travel. Until further notice based on direction from the PHO, all non-essential travel to and within BC should be avoided. Explore only your local trails and birding locations. Be mindful of the protocols put in place by local businesses.⁠
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